12 Otherworldly Volcanic Landscapes: From Lava Tubes to Steaming Calderas

10. Crater Lake, Oregon, USA: Caldera's Deep Blue Secret

Formed around 7,700 years ago by the collapse of Mount Mazama, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, renowned for its stunning clarity and intense blue color, derived solely from snowmelt and rain. The caldera rim offers breathtaking views down to the pristine waters, with Wizard Island (a cinder cone) rising near one edge. This serene, jewel-like lake, cradled within the remnants of a massive volcano, is a powerful example of catastrophic creation leading to tranquil, awe-inspiring beauty, a truly iconic volcanic landscape.